The 2010 Montes Merlot Classic Series from Colchagua Valley in Chile has 14% alcohol, cost about $16 and scored 17 Dionysian points on a scale of a possible 20. The wine had blueberry aromas over oak and spice.

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The Montes is a classic food wine; not overly fruity and without any sweetness. It will age another 10 to 15 years easily and improve.

At seven years old, the wine developed some black pepper notes as it should from a warm climate. Just six months of French oak provides an easy drinking red.

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Served with venison, baked potato, and carrot; the wine made the meal quite special.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to live well. Remember, you drink what’s in the bottle so don’t pay outrageous prices forĀ In Vino Veritas.